NEWCASTLE star Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct by the FA.
The charge relates to Tonali’s alleged breach of betting rules between August – October 2023.
Tonali was hit with a ten-month ban by Italian authorities for bets he made before he joined Newcastle.
He has been serving that ban since October and despite the fresh FA charges, Newcastle expect any further ban to run concurrently to the one imposed by Italian authorities given he provided them with evidence last autumn during the Italian probe.
The FA have been investigating alleged betting breaches made by Tonali since he signed for Toon – on matches between August and October.
Tonali has been given until April 5 to respond to the charge.
An FA statement read: “Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.
“It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between August 12 2023 and October 12.”
Tonali intends to comply with the FA investigation according to a statement released by Newcastle.
It read: “Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules.
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Sandro Tonali betting history
July, 2023 – Sandro Tonali signs for Newcastle United in a £55m deal from AC Milan.
October 12, 2023 – Tonali is released from International duty with Italy alongside teammate Nicolo Zaniolo amid an investigation from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) relating to illegal betting activity from his time in Italy before signing for Newcastle.
October 21, 2023 – Tonali plays 21 minutes in what is his last Newcastle United game of the season during a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
October 26, 2023 – FIGC announced a 10-month ban from football for club and country for Tonali after he is found guilty of illegal betting.
Tonali agrees to eight-month rehabilitation course for a gambling addiction as part of the announcement.
March 28, 2024 – Tonali is charged with misconduct by the FA regarding a fresh set of betting allegations.
The midfielder is alleged to have breached FA betting rules 50 TIMES by betting on football during his time at Newcastle United between August 12 2023 and October 12 2023.
August 27, 2024 – The nine-month ban Tonali was handed for his initial breaches in Italy is set to come to an end on August 27 this year.
However the Magpies man could now face an increased stint away from football if he is found guilty of the FA’s charges.
“Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.
“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”
Tonali, 23, was initially ruled out until August with his original ban, with the Italian also undergoing rehab treatment for eight months.
The Newcastle star was previously punished for his role in a scandal involving Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, with Aston Villa player Nicolo Zaniolo also allegedly questioned.
A probe into the Italian players’ activity saw the trio quizzed by police in October.
Soon after, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso revealed the former AC Milan ace is a gambling addict and the scandal coming to light could “save his life”.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
